Thank you, Eddie McGuire, for starting a debate we had to have

By Sandra Sully

UpdatedJune 28, 2016 — 3.34pmfirst published at 3.30pm

I never thought I would say this, but thank you Eddie McGuire. Thank you for your misogynist comments because they finally sparked national debate and resulted in national outrage. People are now connecting the dots between language - the weaponry of words - that trivialise violence against women, and a culture that perpetuates it.

The public reaction to this so called "banter" was unprecedented. While compounded by another member of the "blokes" network, Sam Newman, it opened people's eyes to the fact that violence against women sadly encompasses more than the women being murdered every week – that it's much more than countless acts of reported physical or sexual abuse.

These, unfortunately, are what we see at the tip of the iceberg. The uncomfortable undercurrent is a dangerous mass of verbal, emotional and financial abuse, control, manipulation and degrading jokes and comments.

I would like to think the public condemnation of what was said on Triple M signals the end of those trails of angry comments beneath EVERY story written about violence against women – cue "feminist propaganda", "leftist, social engineering", "what about men", "she deserved it because she was drunk/flirting/wearing headphones", "she needs to toughen up if she wants to play with the boys!" – but I know it won't.

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Eddie McGuire speaks to the media.Credit:Scott Barbour / Getty Images

It won't stop until it starts to hurt those who say them, where it counts – in the hip pocket – and, or through public shame and pain. So the onus is now on our politicians, community heavyweights and sporting administrators to lead by example.

But strangely, there was a staggering silence from the AFL. On the very day this saga erupted, the AFL found itself fit enough to fine North Melbourne Football Club and its coach $80,000 for disparaging remarks against umpires, but couldn't see why it should penalise McGuire, his club or The Footy Show in any way, shape or form.

Hang on! Hadn't the AFL just tried to resuscitate its image with women by launching the Women's AFL League?

At least McGuire apologised, eventually.

Newman, well, we're not holding our breath! Perhaps a deep-pocketed and principled sponsor will educate the former Geelong ruckman that his outrageous degrading commentary is often offensive.

In spite of all the outrage, those who report on violence against women are also targets.

The uncomfortable undercurrent is a dangerous mass of verbal, emotional and financial abuse, control, manipulation and degrading jokes and comments.

Deeply personal attacks and threats are continually made against journalists who labour to bring this issue to the nation's attention, ironically often threatened with precisely the kind of violence (death and rape threats) they seek to bring to light.

Journalists writing, presenting or producing stories about violence against women – which can cause vicarious trauma in and of itself – are bombarded with abusive letters, emails and comments.

A recent study by Women in Media found trolling of female journalists in particular was insidious. The survey revealed that in-house journalists are most likely to experience this, with 41 per cent being trolled, while one in five freelancers are cyber-stalked.

Perhaps that's about to change?

I refer to the case of Zane Alchin. Alchin allegedly made threats of rape online, among other vileness, and if convicted for this crime, faces a maximum penalty of three years in jail. He will be sentenced in August. This punishment may mean the cowardly trolls – hiding behind their computer screens and vomiting abuse at anyone trying to do something about the plight of one in four women who experience violence by a partner in this country – will think twice about their actions.

Reporting on violence against women, as with mental health, has its complexities. But that does not mean that any of us should shy away from it. I am heartened by the swell of backlash against McGuire and his cronies.

I am also heartened when the public – who are becoming more informed, outraged and empowered – call out victim-blaming in media, office or at the pub. And I am hearted to see media turning their attention to the issue with increasing vigour. Long gone are the days when editors told cub reporters, like me, not to cover the story because it was "just a domestic".

Journalists, like society, are learning. We are learning about the power of the words we use. We are learning about the link between sexism and violence against women. We are learning that 'boys will be boys' is not a valid excuse for aggression and abuse. We are learning we all have the power to do something about this violence.

If you come across the work of a journalist that, in spite of the challenges, reports on violence against women with accuracy, empathy and appropriate context, encourage it. Contact the journalist or publication responsible and suggest they nominate themselves for an Our Watch Award. Good journalism should be rewarded, not attacked.

Highlighting the great work these journalists do is a critical part of moving the national conversation forward. It's also a critical part of transcending the relentless negatively of the trolls and the heartbreaking sadness of reporting on yet another death. It is part of looking forward to a future where Australian women and their children live free of violence.

Sandra Sully is a journalist and news presenter for Sydney's Ten Eyewitness News since 2011.